Gap years offer chance to do something 'different'

Gap years are growing in popularity among young people because it gives them the chance to do something "a bit different" before they begin a lifetime of work, according to a charity spokesperson.

Ben Clifton, spokesperson for Lattitude, said that once a child has finished school, a gap year gives them the chance to take a "time out" before starting university or employment.

He said: "It gives young people an opportunity to get out and do something a bit different when they finish school.

"If you go into work you are going to be there for the best part of 40 years on average so it's a perfect opportunity … to actually take a bit of time out and do something worthwhile and experience something really different."

Gap year travellers may benefit from gap year travel insurance to provide cover for the array of belongings that they have that may get lost or stolen during the trip.

An article in the Telegraph last month gave a list of items that a gap year traveller should consider adding to their backpack, including a compact first aid kit and water-resistant sun protection.

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